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| Wednesday (PM), November 18, 2020
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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
I've got some very exciting news to share tonight! The University of Richmond announced earlier today that, starting with this year's applicants, any RPS student who is accepted and has financial need will receive GRANTS to cover that need, not loans. On behalf of RPS, I want to express my deep appreciation to President Crutcher and the entire U of R team for taking this bold step. The word "equity" gets thrown around a lot in education, but real equity requires real dollars. And that's exactly what U of R just put on the table. RPS seniors, if you've never thought about the University of Richmond because of the cost, well, here's the link to apply!
Shifting to the Open Enrollment process, I'm excited to share our new Virtual School Fair to help you learn all about our schools. As a reminder, the deadline to submit an application is December 1 at 4:30 pm.
It's Wednesday, so don’t forget to tune into RPS Live! at 7 pm on the RPS Facebook page. I'll be joined by Dr. Danny Avula of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts to discuss the latest COVID-19 updates as part of our second semester decision-making process. Speaking of which, here are the feedback survey links if you haven't weighed in yet: Family Survey in English, Encuesta de Familias en Español, and Staff Survey.
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I would like to send a great big shout out to Luwanna Jordan at G. H. Reid. She has helped me TREMENDOUSLY this school year! She has no problem sharing information as well as supplies. She is very kind, patient, and an overall caring person. These are the perfect ingredients for being a great teacher as well as a friend!!!
- Major shout out to our principal at OGBES, Mr. Gordon!!! He has really brought positive energy each and every day, which flows through my day of virtual teaching. I also want to shout out the 3rd Grade Team. They're doing an awesome job and always helping one another out. Let's keep up the good work, OGBES!!
- Mr. Gordon is doing a wonderful job meeting the needs of the staff at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School by utilizing the Community Circle as a place to build comradery with one another and promote personal growth inside and outside the school. The Community Circles provide therapy for many of the staff members because they feel free to discuss their feelings without the fear of being judged by their co-workers.
- I would like to give a shout out to Mrs. Raja Mason for her commitment to the history department and for being a stellar Academic Architect who has earned the respect of her colleagues. A big “thank you” for her teacher leadership!
- I would like to give a shout out to Albert Hill history teacher Tony Walters. Mr. Walters goes above and beyond to make his classes interesting, fun and challenging. He uses entertaining and unique methods of teaching to engage the kids. He really seems to care so much about the students' happiness and well being. Thank you, Mr. Walters!
- I’d like to shout out Brigitte Newberry at Open High, who is going above and beyond to serve her AP Art History students' curiosity and academic needs. She is offering additional class hours on her own time for additional topics. I believe she does this out of love of the subject and dedication to her students’ growth as thinkers, writers, and seers.
- I wanted to take a minute to shout out Binford Principal, Melissa Rickey. She joined the Fox 5th grade Town Hall last night to talk about "middle school". She was so patient and kind, answering every single question with grace and thoughtfulness. She shared all of the wonderful things about Binford with the Fox community, and her passion for Binford and the students and families there really shined through. Everyone left the Town Hall really excited about going to their zoned school. I couldn't ask for a better colleague who took the time out of her busy school and personal schedule to work with the Fox Community. It takes a village, and I am proud that she is part of my village!!!
- I would like to send a huge THANK YOU to Principal Trotter and all of the RAS staff for providing turkeys for our families. They extended their turkey drive to include all RPS schools and we were able to serve nearly a dozen families with their assistance. Again, thank you!
- I'd like to thank Ms. Willis, 8th grade science teacher at T. C. Boushall Middle School, and Ms. Impson, one of our LIEP teachers, for being guest cohosts for our morning announcements! They both nailed it and our scholars were so excited to hear from them!
- I'd like to shout out Jenn Deuell from the Richmond Public Library for putting together an engaging and informative program on Media Literacy yesterday. She was able to assemble six journalists from different news sources to talk to students about how to spot "fake news". My students were so impressed with the journalists and asked great questions about how to determine whether or not a news story is reliable. This discussion was timely and relevant and I'm so grateful for Richmond Public Library for their partnership and dedication to educating our students on such important issues!
- A BIG shout-out for Jaspreet Pritam Singh at River City Middle School! No matter what gets thrown her way, she comes to the table with positive energy that never seems to run out. Your colleagues appreciate you so much, Ms. Jas!
- I'd like to give a BIG shoutout to Ms. Lindsey Williams at Mary Munford Elementary School. She is the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond! She works hard for her scholars and has helped me tremendously since I've been at Munford. I am so grateful for Ms. Williams and I feel lucky to be on her grade team. Thank you for everything! We see how hard you work and we appreciate you!
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| DonorsChoose Bonus – Starting at 7 am on Tuesday, December 1 (Giving Tuesday), donations to DonorsChoose projects will be DOUBLED. Whether you need books or educational software, now is a great time to create a project on DonorsChoose. For community members who would like to support RPS projects on Giving Tuesday, please consider donating here!
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| Winter Break Meal Packs – All RPS schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 21 through January 1. Because we will not have meal distribution during this time, we're taking pre-orders for FREE 5-day meal packs. Each pack will include 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches, and families can order one or two packs. Here's how:
- Online: English or Español
- Phone: (804) 780-6195
- In-Person: At all meal drop-off locations
The deadline to order is November 30. Please visit our website for additional information.
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| Open Enrollment Information Session – Join us this Thursday, November 19, from 5:30 - 7 pm, for a virtual information session about open enrollment. We’ll share updates to the application process, demonstrate the Enroll RPS portal, and provide a detailed look at specialty schools. To register, click here.
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Facilitated Learning Centers – As a reminder, there are still seats available at the "facilitated learning centers" serving RPS students. See below for details.
- Peter Paul Development Center is running a facilitated learning center at MLK MS for 2nd-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 9 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- The YMCA is is running facilitated learning centers at Miles Jones ES, Holton ES, and Huguenot HS for K-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 7:30 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- There are also many other facilitated learning centers not housed in RPS schools across the city. To learn more, click here.
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| Flu Vaccinations – The Richmond City Health District is hosting its next flu clinic on Wednesday, December 2, from 1 - 4 pm, at Huguenot HS. Please see the flyer below for additional information.
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| Preschool – We still have room for your little scholar (3-year-olds and 4-year-olds) in our free virtual preschool program! Students will receive all the school supplies they need and two meals every day, Monday through Friday. To sign up, visit the Enroll RPS portal or call 804-503-3501.
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RPS Love Store – Show your RPS Love and help us raise money for RPS families in need and local racial justice non-profits by ordering something today from the RPS Love Store!
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Important Links – I'll note in orange when there have been additions/updates so you you won't miss anything.
#ReopenWithLove Links
Local, State, and National Public Health Links
Local, State, and National Public Education Links
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